Perfect Duo, William's Doll and My Princess Boy

As part of the anti-bulling program, Be a Buddy, not a Bully, we read two books to the students, William's Doll by Charlotte Zolotow and My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis. Each book is about a child's choice of a toy or what to wear. Interestingly, William's Doll was written over 30 years ago and My Princess Boy was published recently. However, the message is the same: toys and clothes do not need to be gender specific and it is the child's choice. Our message to the students was that we all like to play with different toys or dress up in different clothing, but if someone chooses something different, it is important not to tease or make fun. We followed the reading with a game, "What's in the bag?" Each student reached in the bag without looking and picked a toy or something to wear. They told us whether or not they would wear it or play with the item. One little boy picked a hard hat and announced he did NOT like to build things! Once again, the children seemed to recognize the repeated message of It's OK to be Different, respect for differences.